Gantz Calls on Netanyahu, Lapid, and Lieberman to Form a Unity Government to Secure the Release of Hostages from Gaza

SadaNews - Benny Gantz, the head of the "Kahol Lavan" party, has called for a unity government to secure the release of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip and to address the conscription law before going to elections in six months, during a press conference held on Saturday evening.

During his remarks at the press conference, Gantz directed his appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid, and the head of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, Avigdor Lieberman, to form this government.

He stated during the press conference, "In Hamas's tunnels, there are 50 hostages suffering from hunger and torture, and it is the state's duty above all to save lives. Every hostage is at risk of death, and they are in real danger; their time is running out while reserve troops and the regular army are collapsing under the burden."

Gantz added, "Some claim I saved Netanyahu when I joined the government, but the truth is that I did so due to the harsh circumstances that forced us into a difficult political decision," noting that he stands today at a "crucial juncture," with the potential to move towards an agreement to secure the release of all hostages.

He addressed Netanyahu, Lapid, and Lieberman, saying, "It's time to form a hostage rescue government and a fully conscripted army for a limited time; during these six months, we will accomplish these two tasks (the release of hostages and the conscription law for Haredim), and then we will go to elections."

Gantz noted that "the principles are clear: the government's term begins with a deal that brings the hostages back home, and within weeks we will lay out a conscription plan that includes Haredim and relieves the burden on the soldiers, then we will set an agreed-upon date for elections in spring 2026, and we will approve the law to dissolve the Knesset."

He said, "This government is bad and must go; Netanyahu must leave through elections. This initiative is not for the sake of the government but because of it, as it fails to achieve victory or return the hostages and because it divides the people."

Gantz addressed the opposition leaders, saying, "There is a difference between providing an external safety net and entering to participate and influence from within, distancing extremists from the decision-making center. If Netanyahu does not agree, we will know we did everything we could and that we used the power granted to us by the people, and we did not just sit and shout from the stands."

He concluded by saying, "We have no time. The hostages have no time; they are starving, families are collapsing, and soldiers are being crushed under pressure. We have a wonderful, cohesive people, and a majority in the Knesset supports this path. A hostage rescue government that supports the soldiers and is time-limited is a pressing need."

The Lieberman party, "Yisrael Beiteinu," responded to Gantz's initiative by stating that "the return of all hostages is not a right or left issue, but rather a humanitarian and ethical one," calling for the immediate return of all Israeli hostages "now and without any conditions."

It added that "the only government we will be partners in is a united Zionist government, and we will not be part of any deception."

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated, "We saw the difference between the cabinet with Gantz and the cabinet without him, in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Rafah. Right-wing voters chose a right-wing policy, not Gantz's policy, nor a centrist government, nor any surrender deals with Hamas; yes to absolute victory."